Burst pipe flooding house? If you come home to find that your house has been flooded by a burst pipe, don’t panic! There are some immediate steps you can take to minimize the damage. In this quick and to-the-point post, we’ll outline exactly what to do if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation.
If you have a burst pipe flooding house, follow these steps to minimize the damage:
- Find the water shutoff valve and turn it off.
- Shut off the power to your home, if necessary.
- Start assessing the damage.
- Call your insurance company.
- Salvage whatever items you can.
- Call a water damage restoration company.
- Invest in yearly plumbing services to prevent damage.
Note that a burst pipe isn’t your fault. Just recently, The San Francisco Fire Department responded to 33 Tehama in the Transbay area after a 6-inch pipe burst on the 36th floor of the rooftop of the building. Water gushed out into hallways down multiple floors, creating hazardous conditions. Burst pipes happen, so don’t feel guilty or ashamed. Just take care of the problem as best you can and move forward.
Burst Pipe Flooding House: What to Do Right Away
Turn Off the Water
First, find the water shutoff valve and turn it off to prevent any more damage from occurring. You might also need to shut off the power to your home; if you’re unsure how to do this, call your local utility company for assistance. Once the water and power are off, it’s time to start assessing the damage.
Assess the Damage
Carefully walk through your home and take stock of the damage. Make a list of all the affected areas and items, taking photos if possible. This will be helpful when you’re filing an insurance claim. If you have burst pipe flooding in your home, there’s a good chance that mold has already started to form. So, it’s important to act quickly.
Call Your Insurance Company
Once you’ve assessed the damage, call your insurance company and let them know what happened. They will likely send an adjuster to assess the damage and give you an estimate of the repairs that need to be made. In some cases, they may also recommend a water damage restoration company.
Salvage Items
If possible, try to salvage any items that have been damaged by the burst pipe flooding. If they can be cleaned and repaired, you’ll save yourself a lot of money in replacement costs. See if you can move furniture or appliances to a dry area of your home to prevent further damage.
Call a Water Damage Restoration Company
Even if your insurance company doesn’t recommend one, it’s a good idea to call a water damage restoration company. They will be able to help you dry out your home and prevent mold from growing. Many water damage restoration companies also offer mold remediation services. (Try our sister company, Shepherds Disaster Recovery and Remediation!)
Invest in Yearly Plumbing Services
The best way to prevent burst pipe flooding is to invest in yearly plumbing services. A professional plumber will be able to identify any potential problems and fix them before they cause any damage. They will also be able to recommend any changes you can make to your home’s plumbing system to reduce the risk of flooding. By following these steps, you can minimize the damage from burst pipe flooding and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re here to help!
